Craving something delicious in Williamsburg? Whether you’re dreaming of historic tavern fare after touring Colonial Williamsburg, seeking the perfect brunch spot for Sunday mimosas, or simply needing that one pasta dish you can’t stop thinking about—your culinary salvation awaits. Here are the establishments that make this historic town a modern dining destination.
Column 15 Coffee
$ | (757) 800-1575 | WEBSITE
Ignore the typical coffee shop hustle and sterile counters you might expect, and head straight for the counter where the real action happens. The Williamsburg spot gets packed by mid-morning, and again after lunch, and they don’t take reservations—but you won’t have to wait long for a drink. Grab a window seat if you can for optimum street-watching, and follow your iced latte with coffee ice cubes with the French toast with an egg and one of the best raspberry ham paninis in town.
MARIA BONITA CANTINA
$ | (757) 808-7058 | WEBSITE
Maria Bonita Cantina occupies a cozy, welcoming space near the Williamsburg outlets with a handful of tables for families and couples, some rustic décor, and a salsa bar with fresh chips displayed invitingly. This is all in great contrast to the enthusiastic way we approach eating here. Our favorite way to enjoy a meal at Maria Bonita Cantina is to bring at least one other person and dive in to an array of Mexican classics, following rich al pastor tacos with forkfuls of the Alhambra dish.
Even if you’re not in the position to spend a bunch of money on a meal out, it’s possible to achieve this dynamic dinner feeling by ordering just two dishes (the majority of which cost between $12 and $18).
El Sabroson
$ | (757) 220-3145 | WEBSITE
All of the Latin restaurants in Williamsburg are worth trying, but El Sabroson’s pupusas are the real standout. There’s always a steady crowd at this Central American spot, and we’ve never regretted joining it, no matter how full we feel when we head back to work. This straightforward eatery is the kind of place people grab takeout from regularly, but we suggest sitting in the casual dining area—if only to fully appreciate the generous portions and friendly, efficient service.
Choose from several affordable options, and make sure to try the surprisingly delicious pineapple chicken sandwich.
Amber Ox Public House
$$ | (757) 790-2299 | WEBSITE
Almost every southern restaurant in Williamsburg has a solid shrimp & grits on the menu, but we come to Amber Ox when we want to share a whole bunch of southern dishes with a group. This big, open-layout restaurant has a chic farmhouse ambiance, with communal wooden tables and a cozy outdoor patio that make it feel like you’re halfway outside.
Think of this place as the Virginia alternative to a traditional farm-to-table spot, and keep Amber Ox in your back pocket: cocktails and hand-cut fries are an underrated way to celebrate a family meal, or just hang out with friends.
The Virginia Beer Company
$$ | (757) 378-2903 | WEBSITE
The Virginia Beer Company in Williamsburg is known for being one of the most welcoming spots in the beer scene, with pride flags on display and an inclusive atmosphere built in. They also have a rotating selection of impressive, seasonal and limited-edition brews, like Sweet Relief offering refreshing sweetness and Gorgeous IPA bursting with bold hop flavors. Try as many pours from the taproom as you can handle, and don’t forget the snacks—there’s even a hotdog stand outside with delicious eats.
Come here with your beer-loving friends or family members, and don’t skip the live music.
Super Chix – Williamsburg, VA
$ | (757) 585-2475 | WEBSITE
Super Chix is Williamsburg’s hidden gem, with a focus on exceptional chicken and frozen desserts. This Virginia spot feels welcoming, comfortable, and worthwhile, and draws a crowd of people who appreciate generous portions and quality over quick bites. You can order individual items, or create your own combination meals. The plates are substantial but sharable, featuring things like the Korean Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Cordon Bleu, accompanied by crispy rosemary pepper fries.
We’d come here just to sit at a booth, eat those buffalo tenders, and have a Reese’s peanut butter cup custard.
Casa Pearl
$$ | (757) 208-0149 | WEBSITE
Casa Pearl is an upscale dining spot with a casual vibe in Williamsburg, VA. The Williamsburg location is particularly good for coastal group dinners, with great cocktails, fresh oysters, and flavorful fish tacos. It has an artful presentation and vibrant atmosphere, which should maybe be a requirement for all seafood hangs. Get an order of hush puppies and a golden salad with fried oysters, and don’t be afraid to enjoy a whole fish dish if you have a large appetite.
La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant
$ | (757) 253-2939 | WEBSITE
To satisfy all your Mexican food cravings in Williamsburg, head to La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant. This family-owned spot on the main strip has smothered burritos and combo plates on the menu at all times, and that’s exactly what you should order. Get a chicken and steak combo over rice, with warm cinnamon churros for dessert, or take home a family-sized portion to make your weeknight meals easier.
If you’re into margaritas, the classic version is also worth ordering—it has just the right balance of sweet and tart, and if you get it on the rocks (which you should), the fresh lime will brighten up your evening.
Eagles Restaurant
$$ | (866) 991-7863 | WEBSITE
Eagles Restaurant could serve their food at a trendier spot. It’s classic American comfort fare, served on generous plates and styled like it’s in a neighborhood joint. Instead, this Williamsburg restaurant is unpretentious and kind of kitschy, and we like it that way. There’s a canopy of sports memorabilia and neon beer signs, and sometimes lively karaoke to set the tone for a casual night out.
At the same time, servers are attentive and friendly, and the food is definitely satisfying, with reasonable prices. Try the smash burger or seafood specials—a reliable choice in the area—and of course, order plenty of wings and nachos.
Gold Taste Sushi and Japanese Restaurant
$ | (757) 564-5859 | WEBSITE
Gold Taste Sushi serves exceptional Japanese food in a compact space on a Williamsburg corner, with a small dining area and a separate sushi bar. There are a few standout items on the menu, but you’ll find plenty of sushi options, including fresh nigiri, specialty rolls, and their specialties—the incredible gyudon and the Maguro Ninja. If you want to keep dinner under $20, get the Alaska Maki and some vegetable sushi.
Top it off with a piece of uni nigiri, best enjoyed in the restaurant’s clean, calming atmosphere.
Illy Caffe
$ | (757) 208-0006 | WEBSITE
Sure, chain coffee shops are convenient, but we bet your morning caffeine fix would be more satisfying if it included a raspberry tart. Illy Caffe is a Williamsburg coffee shop specializing in excellent food and coffee, with a variety of vegetarian and non-dairy options for every preference. If you want something more refreshing, they also have cold treats like gelato and frappes.
The cafe leans into quaint charm with real glasses and limited but sufficient seating, but most importantly, it’s warm and inviting, so you can relax as long as you want. We’d recommend trying their iced vanilla latte, which leaves a lasting impression with its exceptional taste.
Ichiban
$$ | (757) 253-8898 | WEBSITE
We find ourselves recommending Ichiban to people all the time—this Williamsburg restaurant works for all sorts of situations, and it’s not impossible to get into. The very good Chinese and Japanese food, which you eat in a beautiful dining room with soft music in the background, ranges from photogenic plates of sushi and maki rolls to Firecracker Beef and General So chicken.
And if you need another reason to plan your next lunch or dinner here, there’s consistently excellent quality with polite, professional service that includes warm towels and occasional special treats.